Jamie Spencer
At 9:45 AM on Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, shared the somber news of the passing of Pope Francis. Speaking from the Casa Santa Marta, Farrell expressed the profound sorrow of the Church, saying:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Plans for Public Veneration
Later in the day, Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, informed journalists about the forthcoming arrangements for Pope Francis’ body. Bruni confirmed that the Pope’s remains would be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, with the translation of the body scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025. “The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025,” Bruni stated, explaining that further details would be released after the first Congregation of the Cardinals.
Health Struggles Leading to His Passing
Pope Francis had been battling health issues for several months prior to his death. In February 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from bronchitis, and his condition worsened with a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia in mid-February. After 38 days in the hospital, the Pope returned to the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. However, his health continued to decline over the next few weeks, ultimately leading to his passing.
Earlier in his life, in 1957, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had undergone surgery in Argentina to remove part of his lung following a severe respiratory infection. As he aged, Pope Francis was no stranger to respiratory illnesses, with a few notable setbacks, including his cancellation of a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to flu and lung inflammation.
Funeral Plans and Liturgical Reforms
Following the Pope’s death, preparations are underway for his funeral, which will be conducted according to updated guidelines. In April 2024, Pope Francis had approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will govern the funeral Mass. The second edition of the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” introduces significant changes, including new procedures for handling the Pope’s mortal remains. One key change is that the ascertainment of death will occur in the chapel rather than in the room where the Pope passed away. His body will immediately be placed inside the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, revealed that Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified, focusing on the expression of the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ. “The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
Pope Francis, throughout his papacy, emphasized humility and simplicity in his teachings and actions. His funeral rites will reflect these values, honoring him as a servant of Christ rather than as a figure of worldly power.
